Windows 8.1 Drops Messenger In Favor Of Skype Integration [Rumor]

After Microsoft’s acquisition of Skype back in 2011, the company has slowly been integrating its newly acquired software into its own products and services. As a result, Microsoft announced late last year it would be replacing its Windows Live Messenger service in favor of Skype. We’ve already seen the merge take place earlier this year, and in Windows 8.1, Microsoft will completely drop its traditional built-in Messaging application in favor of Skype.

Not only has Microsoft made it apparent it will proceed to drop its Messaging app by not including it into the preview build of Window 8.1, but sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans have revealed the final version of Windows 8.1 will also favor full integration with Skype. This shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone at this point considering Microsoft’s plans to eventually retire its Messenger service to be replaced with Skype. It’s just another step Microsoft is taking to be rid of Messenger, which it’ll be one step closer to achieving once Windows 8.1 is released to the public.